Rewind Six Days Sunday. 15-03-20. Bogota, Colombia. The dark clouds rolling over Bogota from the mountains are an ominous sight that seems a fitting parallel to everything else that’s going on right now. I just returned from a quick trip to the corner store for a re-stock of groceries and beer to pacify our quasi-isolation before departing Colombia in two days. This isn’t exactly how I expected to be spending my final days in the country but then again, those …
There’s a long-running misconception about Salvadorian food that the only thing they’re known for is pupusas. And while this national dish is arguably the most popular food in El Salvador — especially when it comes to a cheap snack — they have far more to offer. During our time in the country, we’ve had the opportunity to try a huge variety of different foods. Some of the best food in El Salvador ranges from unique takes on neighbouring cuisines to traditional dishes …
To most travellers, and some Salvadorians, San Miguel is nothing more than a stopping point between other destinations. Many find themselves here on their way from San Salvador to the beaches of El Cuco, or as an access point heading to or coming from Nicaragua. Few ever stay longer than what’s required to catch their next bus. I’ve even heard one refer to it so eloquently as the armpit of El Salvador, due to its thick heat and lack of …
Updated: Spring 2020 “Don’t Skip El Salvador.” It’s a slogan found all over the tiny country, grasping at the tourism market that seems to have passed it by. Wedged between three rapidly growing destinations of Central America: Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the smallest of the group is often overlooked by travellers. Important Information Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Update: March 20/20 Due to the rapid progression of this situation and the mixed news coming out from multiple sources, it’s difficult to keep …
For years, Medellin was the most dangerous city in the world. Between Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels vying for control, and the military attempting to control them; to leftist revolutionary guerrillas and the privately funded right-wing paramilitary groups locked in conflict. Car bombs, shootings, kidnappings and outright war were commonplace in the region. While the city itself stood amongst the most violent on earth, until as recently as 2010; one neighbourhood in particular ranked deadliest of all. The neighbourhood …
Like so many developing nations throughout the world, El Salvador’s recent history has been tarnished by civil war. For over a decade, guerrilla militias took to the jungles and battled the military-backed government in a horrifically violent affair. Over 80,000 Salvadorians were slaughtered during the conflict, and a further half-million fled the country. While visiting the highland town of Suchitoto, I had the opportunity to wander the precarious landscape of former guerrilla camps. And visited the jungles that, just 30 …
Suchitoto is one of the most charming towns in all of El Salvador. Surrounded by dense jungle and a massive lake, its tranquil scenery makes it the perfect place to escape the chaos of San Salvador. And it also happens to be one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in the country. Nature and architecture aside, Suchitoto is also quite important historically. The village and surrounding landscape was a focal point during the Salvadorian civil war of the 1980s. There …
Santa Marta is the stepping-off point for most of northern Colombia and the Caribbean coast. And one of the most popular nearby destinations is Tayrona National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful jungle trails, it’s easy to see why. However, it’s also busy, a bit expensive, and especially tricky to pull off if you’re on a tight schedule. On the far southwestern edge of Tayrona park is a separate cove, unknown to many foreign visitors. Technically, Bahia …
San Salvador. The name alone invokes an air of unease for many, myself included prior to my first visit. And while it still has some way to go before it’s a highlight on the world travel scene, there are still many great things to do in San Salvador. For years, San Salvador remained near the top of every “most dangerous city” list. Today, however, things in the capital are changing faster than many can follow. A newly restored city centre …
Santa Marta has come a long way in the two years since our first visit. Its rise in popularity as a base for exploring Colombia’s north has seen a heavy increase in travellers. And with those numbers, some much-needed new life has been breathed into the gritty coastal city. Most travellers find themselves here merely as a stop-off point for exploring the surrounding mountains and beaches. And while the city itself doesn’t have a ton of activities, there are still …
